(AN) Ok! Here it is!…Finally. It's really long, so yeah. Ahhh! I'm sooo excited! Anyway….so yeah. This chapter as is with all of my chapters is devoted to Got because He helps me to write them. I don't own Sparrow, or Gibbs, but everyone else is, as far as I know, mine. I don't own anything of Pirates of the Caribbean. Well…cept for the sound track which is AWESOME! But yeah.
I'd really like to thank all of you for reviewing, they are very much appreciated. I never expected to get this many reviews with my first story here. Thank you all a whole bunch!
I really hope you enjoy this chapter seeing as it took a lot of time to get out. I feel soo bad! But I hope it was worth the wait.
Enjoy and don't forget to review! They make me feel special….*grins*
So yeah…Here it is ladies and gents! Chapter five of Fire Walled!
Chapter 5- Seasick
Jack sat quite smugly in his cabin. The crew got them underway faster than he thought possible. He'd have to remember how fast they could move in future.
Andrew had the helm and he would keep the crew under control. Greek was helping out wherever she was needed. Tiggs was trying to teach Meg how to be a member of a pirate crew. He could still envision her tangled in yards of rope trying to tie a slipknot. He chuckled to himself.
He heard something move and he turned abruptly. It was the sphere. He smiled; relieved it wasn't something else. He finally had time to look it over. He walked over and picked it up. It felt cold in his hands. He sat back down in his chair, looking intently at the golden sphere. He leaned back and traced the intricate swirls with his finger. His mind strayed to Meg as a thought connected.
Her necklace. He remembered it had caught his eye when he found her in his cabin. It had the same intricate swirls. He stood up and started pacing, absent-mindedly passing the sphere from hand to hand. He started thinking of the big prize and smiled. The ambrosia cupcake. Somehow the sphere was supposed to lead him there, or help him get to it, or something. He only knew he needed it. So he acquired it.
Everything was connected somehow. He just had to figure out how. He had to talk to Dave. Dave would be in Tortuga. He'd have to bring Meg with him to ask questions. 'tis not like she'd mind. What, would she rather spend the day in a city full of drunks, not knowing anyone? I doubt she'd want to spend it with any of the crew. Well, 'cept for Tiggs, which is strange in itself. She'd probably want to spend it with Greek too. Jack thought of that for a while, holding the sphere in one hand, Oh well. I need her, so I'll…escort her around the city. Yes, that'll work.
It had been two days since the pirate attack on the Winged Stallion, and the crew was getting restless. Captain Royal wondered what it would be like when the men gave up all hope of rescue. He'd better start putting something together for an attempt to get to land. They could strip the ship of all wood that could be spared, and make a raft of some kind; maybe even a boat if they were lucky. He hung his head and sighed, but they weren't lucky.
Suddenly he heard a commotion up top. If it's a fight...I'll…
He ran out to see what was going on, and saw the entire crew leaning on the rail. He scowled, There better not be anyone in the water or so help me, I'll lock everyone in the brig! As he got closer, he saw white. White sails. His jaw dropped, and his eyes brightened.
When the ship finally pulled alongside, and the crew came aboard, Captain Royal found the commanding officer of the rescue vessel and pulled him aside, "Get me a ship, load her up, and get me a crew ready to set sail for Tortuga." he said in a hushed voice.
The Captain was taken aback, "Tortuga? Are you mad?"
Captain Royal tilted his head, "Well, that's where all the pirates go isn't it?"
Andrew kept the helm steady and glared at Meg, who was learning to tie basic knots, and having the greatest fun. He looked away hastily. She was ruining everything! He scowled.
It wasn't the first time a woman had ruined everything. His mind wandered off to the distant memory that hurt the most. It was eleven years ago. And he was eighteen.
It was long before he had met Jack, and he was Cabin Master on another ship. The ship's Captain and him were good friends. One day they picked up a woman in a port city they were docked at, and took her on board. Her name was Kello. She was two years older than Andrew, and the Captain and her hit it off right away.
Soon they started to spend more and more time together, and the Captain had less time for his friendship with Andrew. Soon, Kello took away all of his other friends on the ship, weaseling into all of his friendships so soon, any conversation he had with anyone on the ship always ended up having her as a topic, it nearly drove him mad. He tried to talk to the Captain about it, trying to take all of his friendships back from the woman, but it didn't work. They all just got mad at him for all the things he said about her. Soon he was excommunicated.
One night, they were docked at port, and his female companion for the night was boring him. So he went outside to see if some walking would wear him out. He stopped by a pub and saw the happy couple. So he went inside for a drink. Kello was laughing and the Captain was arguing with a buff marine, and started to push.
Andrew ordered grog, and sat somewhere he wouldn't be seen so he could monitor the fight, and step in if needed. The marine pushed the Captain back onto a table. He got up laughing and insulted the man again, making Kello laugh. Apparently that was the last straw for the marine, and he pulled his pistol out, aimed, and shot the Captain square on the forehead. Andrew's eyes shot open; Kello was still laughing. He charged at the man in a mad rage, pulling out his cutlass, and made short work of him. The man was, after all, drunk.
Then he turned to the still laughing Kello. The anger boiled in him. This was all her fault. He ran her through, and she finally stopped laughing. The sound of her gagging on her own blood was satisfactory. He raised his chin and let her fall to the ground to die in a pool of her own blood. He realized then that everyone was staring at him and he decided it was time to leave. He didn't even try to go back to the crew. He knew what would happen; so he found another Captain, and another crew, and another boat, and he bounced around from boat to boat until he met Jack. Jack was a friend; carefree, lighthearted, he reminded him of the good friend he used to know. He soon learned Jack's reputation with the ladies, and it was safe.
So he joined Jack's crew four years ago. And now Meg was here. Not for long he promised himself. He looked over to see Tiggs and Meg rolling with laughter. He almost felt sorry for what he was going to do; Tiggs would almost certainly get blamed for it. It was his own fault for getting involved with the woman. They were now good friends, Tiggs took it upon himself to look after Meg and teach her things. It was odd; Tiggs' superstitious nature disappeared around Meg.
Meg looked over to Andrew and he gave her a smile. Soon everything will be alright.
Meg didn't like that smile. She turned back to Tiggs to see him still trying to untangle the mess she had made of the ropes. Tiggs seemed very comfortable and at home with her now. Not at all like the first time she met him. She wondered why.
She came over to help untangle the ropes. He was faster than her of course; he knew these knots inside-out. Suddenly she got an idea. "Tiggs?"
He looked up to make eye contact, "Yes Lass?"
"Umm…" Meg had to figure out how to phrase this, "How did Gibbs die?"
He took a deep breath and suddenly looked very tired, "Well Lass, I wasn't there, but from what I've heard from Jack and other people, Jack was on the hunt for treasure."
Meg had to smile, "Is there anytime he's not?"
Tiggs chuckled, "Not that I know of Lass. The thing about this treasure is that it was found on an island of Cannibals. Jack thought they could handle 'em but they proved to be to numerous for his crew. There was a terrible battle and not much of his crew survived. Gibbs was wounded terribly, so Jack rushed him, and the rest of his injured crew to a doctor in Tortuga. Gibbs was one of the unfortunate crewmembers that didn't recover. The rest of Jack's crew that did recover chose not to continue with him. So he got another crew." Tiggs gave her a stern look, "But we don't talk about it Lass. It brings the men's spirits down to be talking 'bout the dead pirates."
Meg tilted her head, "Tiggs, isn't it bad luck to talk about the dead on a ship, or anywhere for that matter?"
Tiggs eyes narrowed and he looked at her strangely; at first not getting her point, but then he caught on, "Lass, I'm not superstitious." he gave her a smile.
Meg wrinkled her brow, "But the night I came aboard, you thought I was death itself."
"That was only for fun. Sometimes it helps Jack's mood if I do that. Reminds him of Gibbs a bit. So, occasionally, I do pretend."
Meg tilted her head and nodded, "Oh ok."
Tiggs looked down at the now untangled rope, "So, Lass, are ye ready for another try?"
Meg took a deep breath and sighed, "Always."
Jack was seated, looking intently at the sphere, when there was a knock on his door; making him jump, "Yes?" he said, aggravated.
Tiggs came through the door, "We're 'ere Jack."
"Oh" he quickly put the sphere in a bag, then looked up at Tiggs, "You're going to be one of the ones accompanying me," he thought of something, "Greek too." Now Meg wouldn't have any alternatives to whine about.
Tiggs looked somewhat worried, "What 'bout Meg?"
Jack looked up and smiled, "She's coming too."
"Where 're we goin'?"
Jack looked him straight in the eye, "We're going to meet Dave."
Tiggs' eyes got wide and his face white, "You can't." Tiggs almost whispered, "You know better 'an I do what happened."
"Yes I know. And yes, we're going." Jack sighed, "Tiggs, I want this treasure."
"I know Jack."
He picked up his things he would need, patted Tiggs on the shoulder and went outside to greet the sounds, sights, and smells of Tortuga. It was now night, and the town was alive. He turned his attention to Andrew, still managing the helm as they docked the boat, "Andrew, I'm going to need you to come with me."
Andrew acknowledged him, "Of course."
Andrew had to act fast. He was sure the anxiety was showing on his face. He needed to carry out his plan soon, or it wouldn't work. They had to eat somewhere, anywhere. Andrew ran through the list of all the places to eat, and mentally crossed them out. Then he came across one that would work perfectly. The White Mare. He let himself smile and relax as he finished docking the boat.
Jack gathered together all of his crew he would be taking, Tiggs, Meg, Greek, and Andrew, and set out to meet Dave at Big Tim's Tavern.
"Uh. Jack?" Andrew had a change of plans in mind.
"Yes Andrew?"
"Don't you think we should get something to eat? I don't know 'bout you, but I'm starving, and I know Meg must be too." he looked to Meg and gave a caring smile.
Jack thought about it and then nodded, "I am hungry. Where do you want to go?"
Andrew pretended to sort through all the options, "How 'bout the White Mare?" Jack knew as well as Andrew that the White Mare was the most respectable eating establishment in Tortuga. Not that it meant anything.
Jack nodded, "Alright then, the White Mare." and he changed his course.
The only really good thing that they served at the White Mare was soup. They all sat down, and looked at the almost vast selection of soup. Potato soup, Split Pea soup, Clam Chowder, Beef Stew, Chicken stew, Corn Beef and Hash stew, Grog soup, and the special Duke Surprise.
Jack leaned over the table to where Meg was, and he pointed to the Special Duke Surprise, "Don't eat that."
She nodded. Anything that had the words "Special" and "Surprise", she wasn't eating. She leaned over to see what Greek was having; the Beef stew. She asked what Tiggs was having, the Potato Soup. Meg decided to have the Split Pea soup. She was about to say it reminded her of the Rescuers Down Under, a favorite cartoon movie of hers when she was little, but she thought otherwise, remembering where she was.
The "waitress", a person they couldn't tell if it was a male or female, took their orders and told them they would have to get their own food, and it would be ready on the shelf by the kitchen. Jack ordered the Clam Chowder, and Andrew had Beef stew. All the men ordered a mug of rum.
After the "waitress" left Meg had to laugh, "Typical."
Jack looked innocent, "What's that love?"
"Rum."
"Oh yes," he looked at her as if he were teaching a lesson, "It's tradition."
"Right."
"So, Greek," Jack turned to face her, "Why aren't you going to have some rum?"
Greek took a deep breath, "Vell, it all started vhen I vas very depressed, and so I decided to go to de nearest place they had de sailors drinks, and 'ave one or two. Vell, one or two turned into ten or tvelve, and the next thing you know, I've bought myself a crew, an' I can't get rid of them. So I decided to build up immunity to any kind of that drink, so I'll never be that stupid ever again. Then they turned mutinous because I had a purple hat…" she looked up and frowned at the hat, "…But that's not de point. Now I'm up to being able to drink tvice my own body veight without getting "happy". The drink is bland to me now." Greek gave them a matter-o-face look.
Jack was drooling, "Really?" he turned to Tiggs, "Do you think I should pick up that habit?"
Tiggs chuckled, "I thought ye already did."
"Oh, right."
Andrew wasn't lying when he said he was starving, his stomach growled every once and a while to give him a reminder he didn't need. He kept on looking at the shelf to see if their order was ready yet. It wasn't. He scowled and pretended to pay attention to the conversation. They were talking about fish, why in the world would anyone want to talk about fish! It must have been Meg's idea. He was too busy griping about how dumb it was to talk about fish; he didn't notice the food on the shelf.
Jack stood up, "I'll get it."
Andrew's eyes shot open, "No!"
Jack turned to him with a surprised look. "What?"
"I'll get it. You sit down." he smiled.
"Alright." Jack happily plopped down and resumed his talk about fish.
Andrew breathed a sigh of relief and walked to the shelf, Good. This is good.
Andrew returned with all five soup bowls with spoons sticking out of them like tongues. They immediately got silent as they ate, occasionally muttering a few words. It wasn't long before they were done.
"Well, we need to go now." Jack was already late for his meeting for Dave.
"Alright."
They paid the tab and stepped outside. The good thing about the White Mare is that it was just across the street from Big Tim's Tavern. Jack led the group across the street in his usual drunken sway.
Meg dropped behind a little bit. Greek helped her in the tavern.
"Vhat's vrong?"
"I don't know. I just feel dizzy that's all.
Greek put her hand on Meg's forehead, "You're getting a little hot."
Greek glanced up and saw Jack, Andrew, and Tiggs going up a set of stairs and she grimaced. She couldn't just leave Meg down here. She was already starting to draw attention. It was Greek's experience, that if you couldn't fight the attention, you shouldn't be getting it. "C'mon, let's go." Greek put her arm under Meg, trying to help her.
Meg whined, "Just let me stay here for a little bit and I'll be fine." her attention drifted at a blank spot on the wall and she lifted her hand to point.
"No"
Greek half carried Meg up the stairs and Tiggs came back, looking worried, "What's wrong."
Greek looked up to him, "She got dizzy."
Tiggs lifted her chin so he could see her eyes. Her pupils had a strange silver rim around them.
"Are ye going to help me or vhat?"
Tiggs nodded and helped carry Meg up the stairs.
Jack knocked on the door Dave would be in and it opened. Dave was tall with a serious face. His short brown hair looked disheveled. His brown eyes looked about for a while, then he stepped aside letting Jack and Andrew in. "Where are the others?"
"They're coming." Jack pulled out the sphere from his bag and handed it to Dave.
"The Royal Navy?"
Jack grinned, "Yup"
"You never did like to find things on your own."
"Sometimes. So what do you think?"
Dave sighed, "I think you need the key."
Jack's eyes widened, "There's a key?"
Dave smiled, "Sorry."
Meg "Wait. I think I found something. It might have something to do with it."
Suddenly there was a knock on the door that made Dave jump. Jack went to open it. "Well, it's about time." Then he noticed Meg. "Come in quick."
After they were inside and the door was shut, Jack got worried, "What's wrong?"
"She got dizzy."
Meg swatted them away as best as she could and tried to stand up, "I'm fine." Her slurred speech was enough to tell him she was lying.
She actually stood long enough to take a few steps toward Dave, narrowing her eyes, "Do I know you? Cause I thought I saw you somewhere and I…" her voice trailed off and she started mumbling.
"Look at her necklace." Jack motioned.
Dave took notice of the silver rim in her eyes, and took her hand, pulling her closer so he could see the necklace. He picked it up and his eyes held a clouded emotion as he examined it. "Jack…"
Meg interrupted him, finding her voice again and started backing away from him, "But no! I did see you! You were down there and I saw you!" she was already loosing her balance walking backwards. She put her hands on her head and started to whimper as her world began to spin wildly. She turned abruptly and her balance was gone, landing her square into Jack's chest. She went limp, and Jack caught her just before she hit the floor.
"Love, you need to go." he whispered to her.
She weakly grasped for his arm, his shirt, anything that might help and collapsed against him.
Jack turned to Greek and handed her off, "Take her to the ship, into my cabin and get her settled down."
Greek nodded, taking Meg, and started out the door.
"Tiggs." Tiggs was already going for the door and nodded to Jack.
Dave still had the clouded expression in his eyes, almost as if he wasn't quite sure what he knew.
"Dave what is it." Dave's eyes snapped back to Jack.
"You have to leave. As soon as it is humanly possible, you have to leave."
Jack turned to Andrew, "Gather up the men and get them on the ship." It was about one-o-clock in the morning, so the crew should be done with their night.
Andrew started out the door. "Are you going to tell me why I just sent my first mate to get my crew, and why I am going to be the most hated man in the Caribbean Sea by dawn?"
"Either you get her out to Sea, or you all die. It doesn't get much simpler than that."
Jack exhaled sharply and headed for the door, "Jack." He turned, "East, head east and there'll be another clue to go on, I'll be able to tell you more when you get back. And Jack," Dave looked him sternly in the eye, "Don't loose her. If you do, you'll never find it."
Jack nodded and hurried out the door.
Greek had to get her out of these rags. They were filthy and they weren't going to be much help with Meg. Greek sighed and pulled out her favorite nightgown. It was simple, long and white with long ruffles on the sleeves that went past her fingertips. Oh vell She helped Meg out of the rags and into the nightgown. Greek put her hand on Meg's forehead again. She was burning up. She tucked Meg into the covers, and Meg squirmed to get out of them, "I know you're hot, but you have to keep at least two on or you're going to get chilled and you'd be in even vorse shape." Meg conceded and closed her eyes, trying not to think of how hot she was, or how horribly the world was spinning.
On the way back to the ship Meg gave her dinner back to the city of Tortuga. It wasn't pleasant.
"Greek?" Meg's voice came out weak and raspy, "Could you get me some water or something?"
Greek was hesitant to give her anything; she wouldn't be able to keep much down for a while. What she really need now was sleep. Maybe rum would help. "Uh…I'll get you something else that vill help you sleep."
"Ok." Meg tried to relax, but it didn't work.
"I'll be right back." Meg nodded
Greek hurried out the door and almost collided with Jack. "Is she asleep?"
Greek sighed, "No, where's the rum?"
Jack arched an eyebrow, "For you?"
Greek rolled her eyes, "No, for her."
"You're going to give her rum?"
"It should help her sleep, or at least relax."
Jack sighed, "It's down below in the cargo hold." Jack pointed and Greek went.
Jack took a deep breath and went into his cabin, "Meg?"
Meg opened her eyes, and then closed then tightly again, trying to get the world to stop spinning. "Hi Jack. The world doesn't seem to want to stay still."
He was glad she still had some humor, "I'm sorry about that."
Meg slowly shook her head, "It's not like you're making it spin." she half opened one eye, "Are you?"
He had to laugh, "No. So…" he walked over to the bed side and put his hand on her forehead. "You're really hot."
She had to smile at that. She would have told him, but she didn't think he'd understand. The word "hot" wasn't a compliment yet.
Greek came in, "Captain, the crew is here, you should go out."
Jack nodded, but was lost in thought.
"Captain."
Jack took a deep breath and walked over to Greek, "She needs to get better."
Greek nodded and Jack left.
Greek walked over to Meg and handed her the mug. "Here drink this."
Meg struggled to get up and took a sip and grimaced, "That's not water."
Greek smiled, "No, but drink it anyvay. If you can keep it down, it should help you sleep."
Meg tried to tried to take another sip, but shook her head, "I already feel like throwing up."
"Incase you do." Greek held up a bucket, "This is your new friend."
"I'm going to need that new friend, now."
Greek thrust the bucket in her face and Meg lurched forward. Meg puked until she was throwing up blood. She finally settled back, exhausted, "I never ever want to do that again." she said while making a weak attempt to wipe the blood from her mouth, "Maybe I should just keep on throwing up until I get so tired I collapse."
Greek wrinkled her brow, "No. I don't think so. Just lay back and try to sleep."
"It's really hot."
"I can't do much about that."
Meg sighed, "Can you just leave a window open or something?" Greek just looked at her, "I promise I'll keep at least two blankets on and I'll stay in bed."
Greek conceded, "Fine." she walked over to one of the windows and cracked it open. "I'll be back later." Greek said as she walked to the door and looked back as she saw Meg making a serious effort to sleep.
"I thought we were leavin' in the mornin'!"
Jack was too tired, too frustrated, too angry to be diplomatic to the sailor he couldn't see, "Look! This is how it is! Either we leave now, or we all die! Do any of you have any more questions!"
The crew was silent; "Alright then, my cabin is closed to everyone until I say different. So lets get movin' ye mangy dogs!" the crew just sat there, shocked.
"We're goin' to die?"
Jack had had it, "Move! Now!"
They were making their way out of the port at an alarming rate. They almost cleared the harbor when Pig saw white sails, "Cap'n!" he said in a hushed voice.
Jack turned to him, "Mr. Pig, what is it?"
"The Navy, there 'ere!"
Jack turned to look as Pig motioned. He saw the ship. Now he saw what Dave meant. They all would have died if they tried to face the Navy now. Especially if the crew was asleep and unaware. It would have been a massacre. The ship was packed with sailors, ready for action. A hush fell over the crew as they all saw the ship. The Indomitable demanded respect. It was huge. The Pearl's black sails helped camouflage them in the dark of early morning, and they snuck past safely into the sea.
The crew relaxed and Jack took a deep breath, "Andrew, head east." Andrew nodded and changed course.
Jack went to his cabin to check on Meg again, She has to live. This won't work if she doesn't. He opened the door and found Meg in a fitful sleep. She had been trying to kick the blankets off, but Greek tucked her in tight. He walked over and pulled up a chair. She did steal his bed. He relaxed in the chair and put his hat over his eyes, and settled down for the night.
Meg started to move, and her eyes flung open. She was shocked to see the shadows take shape, they were moving towards her. She tried to turn her head but her world started to pitch and rock wildly. She saw Jack in a chair by the bed. Then she saw another shadow take shape, and it started to jump over him and fly towards her. She let out a scream and scrambled back clumsily and she fell off the bed with a thump.
The thing was still coming after her.
Jack's eyes flew open as he pulled out his cutlass, ready to strike. He heard Meg in a corner, trying to scoot back. He sheathed his cutlass and went over to her. She was shaking her head with her eyes closed and was batting at something invisible. He got a hold of her arms and pulled her up. She kept swinging, "Love, stop!" he said in a hushed voice.
She opened her eyes and waited for them to focus. The world was still spinning, but the shadows returned to being shadows again. "There were…" her voice trailed off as she slowly turned her head to look the room over. Everything was back to normal. Except for Jack's chair being over turned.
Jack sat her down on the bed and returned to his chair, and exhaled, "Do me a favor Love. Don't do that again."
Meg wearily got back into the covers again, and grimaced at the heat she felt. She had been sweating. Greek's nightgown was almost soaked. "Why are you here?"
"I'm sleeping."
Meg looked at his chair and blinked, not getting what he was saying, "Why are you sleeping in a chair?"
"Everything else is full." He cocked and eyebrow, "Unless you want to share."
Meg just looked at him, half dazed, "No."
Jack shrugged his shoulders, "Well then."
She sighed and half smiled, "Ok."
"Are you tired Love?"
She blinked several times, thinking about it, and tilted her head to the side, "Yes."
Jack relaxed in his chair again and put his hat over his eyes, "Then go to sleep Love."
She tried to relax, "I will do that."
Weeks later…
Meg had been asleep for a few weeks, and wasn't making progress. Jack didn't know what to do to keep her. Meg was withering away because she couldn't hold down any food. She was going to die if something didn't change. He wasn't ever going to find the treasure if something didn't change.
Meg's eyes opened, and she was greeted by her world still wildly spinning. She closed her eyes again, I wish it would stop doing that. She was so incredibly uncomfortable it wasn't funny.
She heard something move, and reluctantly opened her eyes again.
It was Andrew! He turned and came toward her.
His eyes were more menacing than she remembered. Is he an illusion? I hope he is. Meg shrunk back from him. But he kept moving closer.
"You are going to die." Andrew said while smiling. "You aren't going to last long. No, not long at all. Can't you feel your temperature increasing? The world is spinning terribly isn't it? Aren't you tired? Don't you feel weak? Aren't you hungry? Maybe we can make you throw up blood again. Ooh! Can I watch?"
Meg closed her eyes tightly, shaking her head, "No. no. no." her voice slowly grew in volume, "No. No, No!" she was yelling as loud as her voice would allow "Go Away!"
She heard something shut, and opened her eyes. There was nothing. The window was shut. It must have been the wind. She thought to herself, still shaking.
Andrew walked out of Jack's cabin with a little more bounce in his step. He stopped to think. Her eyes had been different. Oh well. They'd be dead eyes soon.
Except for Andrew, the atmosphere surrounding the crew was grim. Jack was at the helm. There was going to be a storm today. Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning. Jack repeated the rhyme in his head. The sky was more a light pink than red. It wouldn't be a large storm, maybe a slight drizzle.
The crew was making preparations, tying everything down, on deck and below. The only place that didn't have everything tied down was Jack's cabin. Jack sighed. He'd have to ask Greek and Tiggs to do that.
He tried to remember his goal. The Ambrosia Cupcake. It brightened his spirit's a bit. But the grim mood of the crew got to him again. It's going to be a very long day.
He noticed Greek and Tiggs walk past him, "Tiggs, I need you to tie things down in my cabin. You too Greek." They just nodded and changed direction.
Yes, this is going to be a very long day, he thought to himself as he put his elbow on the helm, and rested his head lazily.
Greek and Tiggs woke her from a fitful sleep. Her eyes were burning, and the world, as always, was spinning. She had almost gotten use to the fact nothing ever stayed in one place. She was feeling increasingly tired. She almost didn't have enough energy to turn her head and talk, "Hello." her voice came out raspy, making Greek jump.
Greek exhaled sharply, "Go back to sleep."
Meg closed her eyes and sighed. Her stomach growled. She cut Greek off as she took a breath to say something, "No, I don't want anything to eat." Andrew's face came back to her mind, "Can I watch?" she shivered and shook her head.
Greek saw the shiver, "Are you cold?"
Meg almost tried to glare, "I wish I was."
"Vere going to have a storm tonight, so you von't be havin this vindow open. Unless you vant to be soaking vet and cold."
Meg just looked at her, "Von't ansver that."
Tiggs glanced over his shoulder to laugh a bit, and did a double take, "Greek," Tiggs rushed to Meg and lifted her chin up, "Look"
Greek saw it too. Apart from her face being sheet white, there was a wide silver band around her iris'.
Meg was a bit more than alarmed, "What?"
Tiggs looked at Greek, "That's not normal."
Meg would have been enraged if she thought she had the energy, "What's not normal?"
"Ve should go tell the Captain."
"Right." And with that, they both rushed out of the room, leaving an aggravated Meg.
Not long after they had left Meg, had Jack burst into the cabin. She looked him in the eye as best as she could, "Jack, what is alarming and unnatural about my face?"
"Well Meg, your face is…white, and you're sweating a lot." Jack decided not to tell her about her eyes just yet.
"Oh. I heard there's going to be a storm tonight."
"Yes, not a big one you see. It should only be a slight drizzle. Shouldn't bother you."
"Oh."
"You should really go back to sleep love."
Meg sighed, "I'll try."
Jack turned to leave; "I know you're lying Jack." he turned to look at her, "Something else is wrong."
He shook his head and chuckled, "Just go to sleep love."
Meg woke for the fifth time and found the day to be creeping into evening. She half sighed. Her eyes felt like they were on fire now. She could barely keep them open. The dizziness had resigned to occur only when she moved her eyes the slightest bit. It was worse when she moved her head at all. Suddenly she heard some whistling.
She risked turning her head to see what was making noise, and she found Tiggs sitting in a chair. "Hi Tiggs."
He turned to her and smiled, "Hello Meg."
"So how is everything?" she asked drowsily.
"Everything is just wonderful." He smiled at her.
She noticed his hands moving, "What are you doing?"
"Whittling. That's what pirates do isn't it?"
She looked down, "Yes, at least I think so."
"So how are you today?"
"I'm really tired. And I'm still hot." her eyes began to get heavy.
"No! Don't go to sleep. I need you to talk to."
She sighed, "Ok."
Up top, Tiggs was just walking around aimlessly. He needed something better to do with his time. I'll go check on Meg. He started to walk to Jack's cabin. He stopped just outside the door. He heard Meg talking. Was someone else in there? He opened the door to find the room empty and Meg facing a chair.
"So, Tiggs? What are you making?"
Tiggs stopped short and looked around the room again. There was still no one there except Meg. A gust of wind came behind him and he shut the door. "Who are ye talking to Meg?"
She looked up at him lazily, "You."
He was confused, "But I'm not makin' anything Lass."
"Yes you are. You're over there." she pointed to the chair with her still bandaged hand.
She was hallucinating. He walked over to the chair, "Here?"
"Yes. But you doesn't like you." he arched his eyebrow, "You wants you to go away now."
He tilted his head, "What?"
"You're getting really mad, so you should go now."
"I'm not getting mad Lass."
"No, you aren't but you are. Oh please Tiggs, don't do that." her words seemed strained.
"Do what?"
Her face looked horrified now, "No! Tiggs! He doesn't mean it!"
"What Meg?"
"No!" she screamed in agony.
"What!"
Meg closed her eyes tightly and turned away.
"Meg?"
She opened her eyes again and furrowed her brow, "There were two of you, and…and…" she shook her head.
Tiggs walked over to her and sat down, stroking her head, "'tis alright now Lass. It wasn't real."
"But he was stabbing you, and…I tried to stop him, I really did."
He took her withering face in his hands, "Lass, it wasn't real." he enunciated his words, and she seemed to understand, "I'm ok Lass."
Her eyes started to water, "Tiggs, I'm really sorry."
"Don't cry Lass, I mean it. 'tis not yer fault." she had to keep as hydrated as possible.
She sniffled weakly, "Ok, I'm just really tired."
"Go to sleep Lass, and I'll watch over ye."
She half nodded, and let herself drift off to sleep once more.
The next time Meg woke up, it was dark outside. She could hear the rain, and feel the waves rocking the ship. She heard Jack yelling outside. It sounded distant. She sat up in the bed. It didn't feel like a big storm. Jack was yelling a lot. He sounded afraid. That's not right. She sat on the edge of the bed with quite a lot of effort, and was startled to find her legs so incredibly small. She looked down at them, That's not right either.
Jack's voice got louder, more urgent. Meg tried to stand up and found her legs could barely stand the weight, but she wouldn't be on them for long. It was a relief to get out of the covers of the bed. She could still feel the heat coming off her.
She walked to the door and pushed it open with all her might. She only wanted to see what was going on. She looked outside, and saw Jack standing by the railing, yelling orders to Tiggs and Greek. She couldn't understand what he was saying. "Jack." she whispered
Jack was at the helm looking straight ahead. Someone had to steer the boat in the storm. He didn't need anyone else, the waves were a bit rough, but it wasn't something he couldn't handle. He had Greek and Tiggs close by so if he did need them, he could call. Jack didn't notice Meg step out his cabin door.
Meg knew something bad was going to happen. She heard a large noise on the opposite side of the ship, and turned to look. A ten-foot wave was about to crash on Jack.
Jack guessed the climax of the storm had passed a minute ago. It wasn't very impressive. Jack was bored with the storm. The waves were just beginning to calm down.
Jack seemed totally unaware. Meg started to be frantic. "Jack, no." She started to walk to him as fast as she could, but it was too late. The wave crashed and Jack was gone. "Jack!"
Hearing his name, he turned to see Meg running to the edge of the ship. Was the woman mad? Just then a large wave hit the side of the boat, sending the already tripling Meg into the water.
Jack's heart sank. "Tiggs!!" he yelled as loud as he could while getting a rope, and tying it on to something. Everything was a blur. He got a running start and leaped off the ship. He couldn't loose her.
When Meg hit the water, she was enveloped in the coldness of it. It felt wonderful. She had forgotten what it was like to be cold. The Sea held her in a blanket of bliss. She felt truly comfortable. Meg started to relax and drift off to sleep. The light from Meg's necklace began to sear through the dark cold.
Jack entered the water and his eyes flashed open, ignoring the burning salt water in his search for Meg. It would be near impossible to find her, but he had to try. He hurriedly tied the rope around his waist and began his search for her.
A blinding ray of light startled him. It wasn't far, still below him. He jetted down with all he had in him.
It was her! As he got closer, he saw she was just floating in the water, No…No! He swam as fast as he possibly could to get to her. The rope wouldn't give him much room for long.
He barely got his arm around her waist when the momentum of the ship pulled him back. He held onto her for all he was worth. He wasn't letting go.
Back on the ship, Tiggs, Greek, Pig, Maynard, and just about every other pirate on the ship was pulling the rope. Andrew was at the helm keeping her steady. Tiggs stole a look over and saw a shape coming up, "We've got 'em! Steady men! Steady!"
After they were out of the water, Jack made sure Meg didn't bump into anything as the crew finished hauling them up.
When they were on they ship, Jack took Meg to his cabin and laid her out on his bed. Her skin was ice cold, and she wasn't breathing. A quick check told him that nothing was constricting. She had water in her lungs, and her muscles were too deteriorated to push it out. Well, then he'd have to push it out for her.
He carefully set his hands on her ribcage, careful not to break her fragile frame; he gave quick pushes to try to get the water out. It wasn't working.
He checked again for any thing that could be constraining her in anyway shape or form, and he found a thin piece of cloth against her sides. He sliced a hole in the side of the nightgown and sliced through the cloth, and her chest spasmed. He turned her over on her side and she half coughed out seawater. When Jack was sure her lungs were clear, he sat her up. "Did you have a nice swim?" Jack was a little more than perturbed.
Meg just looked at him. Her eyes struck him. The iris' were entirely silver. There was no brown in them what so ever.
Meg let out a breath of pure exhaustion and collapsed on Jack's shoulder. "Right then. We'll talk about it in the morning."
(AN) Ok! Lots of stuff happened in this chapter. Please review! I wasn't quite sure what to call this chapter, so if you think you have a better name for it, let me know. Tell me what you think, cause then I can fix things…and make it better…and more enjoyable for you! The reader!
Oh! And everyone should wear their pants with the leg cuffs rolled up. Yes…I have decided this. It feels really cool!
Anyways…sorry about the wait again, and please review! *Gives out little mini Jack Sparrows that say "Savvy" and " Why is the rum gone?" when you poke the stomach*
And once again, I would like to thank all of you for reviewing, It really does mean a lot to me. Thanks.
Oh! Don't forget to read "A Matter of Time" by Silent Cobra, and "On Sparrow Wings" by Saki Cup of Tea (Hey, I can advertise a little.) *Runs away to write more* Happy reading!